So let’s talk Dre Day. Dre Day is a national phenomenon that’s popped up over last few years, as parties all over the country are taking it upon themselves to honor to music and career of Andre Young aka Dr. Dre. I’m not sure if there’s been one in Denver before, but we’re excited to make one happen. Me, Lazy Eyez and special guest DJ Dozen (Welcome To The D.O.P.E. Game) will be holding down the turntables and spinning everything Dre related, from the World Class Cru days through the N.W.A-era into the Death Row dynasty and onward to the Aftermath and “Detox” eras, complete with guest spots, original samples, features, other production and everything else Dre’s been affiliated with, all the way up to his Kendrick verses. 21+/Free until 11/$5 after/2701 Larimer St. – DJ Low Key

THURSDAY, 12/15 -> I’m super excited to announce the launch of The Solution Showcase, a new monthly party/show/event/whatever-you-wanna-call-it that we’re throwing at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St). In the same way that me and Sounds Supreme started The Solution to be the kind of party we’d wanna go to, The Solution Showcase is gonna combine the vibe of The Solution with a live show element; showcasing an up and coming out of town act, a dope Denver artist and a Denver-based producer or production crew each month, plus assorted other goodness.

To get things started right, we’re bringing out critically acclaimed and super dope Los Angeles-based rappers TiRon and Ayomari, whose recently released album, A Sucker For Pumps (available to stream free here), is one of the best projects I’ve heard all year (up there with Section .80, Watch The Throne, Charity Starts At Home, To Live For, To Die For & such). And I’m not alone, Dream Hampton, co-author of Jay-Z’s book Decoded called it a classic and her favorite album of the year, hugely popular blog the Smoking Section gave it 4 1/2 of 5 stars and the album has landed them on numerous bills in LA alongside Dr. Dre’s favorite new rapper, Kendrick Lamar. You may have also gotten familiar with TiRon and Ayomari via T&A:The Prelude to ASFP (the mixtape I did for them earlier this year, download it here), Ketchup (my other mixtape collab with TiRon and 2Dopeboyz’s favorite mixtape of 2009, download it here), MSTRD, the PB & J Solution or collabs with the likes of Blu, Pac Div, Miguel, Asher Roth, Oddisee and so on.

TiRon and Ayomari will be joined by Denver’s own Turner Jackson, whose last album, My Heart Needs Space (available for free download here), is one of the best local projects I heard all year and showed ridiculous growth from the young MC. His frequent collaborator and youngest DJ in charge, DJ Dozen, will hold him down on the turntables for the night. The Girlgrabbers (aka Q-Knox, GypDaHip & Brik-A-Brak) will be showcasing their one of a kind musical magic as our featured producers for the night (check out some of their prolific catalogue here). In classic Solution fashion, me & Sounds Supreme will round out the lineup as the night’s DJs, rocking all the best in hip hop and more. We’ll be posting music and videos from everybody on the bill to get y’all familiar over the next month or so, so don’t worry if you’re not up on the whole lineup, just trust that the DJs you like aren’t gonna steer you wrong (a big part of this night is gonna be about discovering great new music and we think you’re gonna love it). Also, we’ve got a few surprises to announce that’ll make the night even better, so stay tuned to @DenverSolution for those last few details and a chance to win free tickets. 21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown after Thanksgiving /// $8 at the door. – DJ Low Key

P.S. The Meadowlark is a pretty small venue and this show could very well sell out, so don’t sleep!!!!!

P.P.S. This is just the start of a bunch of big Solution news…We’re about to make up for lost time in a major way, watch!!!

FRIDAY, 1/28 -> We’re looking out for our college homies at the Solution with a special guest set from DJ Dozen, youngest in charge, plus we’re celebrating the release of his B-Sides Part Deux mixtape (free mixtapes for the first 50 people!!!) and Denver fixture Miss Rachel’s birthday party!!! DJ Dozen has been steady on the come up over the last few years and his impressive B-Sides Part Deux tape proves it, you definitely wanna get a copy. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re hosting the birthday party for Basementalism alum/PopularLemonade.com founder Miss Rachel, so you already know it’s gonna be a great night. 3014 Colfax Ave / 21+ / No cover/ Music at 9.

JUST ADDED: Special guest set from DJ Image, all the way from Philadelphia (catch him opening for Raekwon on Saturday 1/29).

To get ready for the 4th Anniversary of the Solution on Friday, Feb. 4th, we’re checking in with some of our favorite regulars and people around Denver to hear what their favorite moments from the party have been. First up, we have R&B/soul music guru Brittney the Square and the youngest DJ in charge aka DJ Dozen sharing their top 3 Solution moments; stay tuned for more classic memories leading up to the party on 2/4.

Brittney The Square’s Top 3 Solution Moments:
1. The 2010 (4th Annual) Solution J Dilla Tribute w/ Slum Village at Bar Standard: SV is the first hip hop group that really got me listening to hip hop back in 2002. So, to meet them and see them perform at The Solution was amazing. Although I spent most of the night in the back corner away from the party soliciting donations for the J Dilla Foundation, the night still managed to make my top 3 list for a few reasons: 1. meeting SV and seeing them perform some of my favorite tracks 2. eating all the damn donuts (powdered and chocolate were the preference) 3. hearing tracks that I had no idea Dilla produced and buggin’ out about it and of course, 4. supporting a good cause.

2. Meeting my boyfriend at the Solution at the Funky Buddha: It was either my first or second night ever at The Solution and I was helping out with usual stuff when Low Key introduced me to, who would later be, my future boyfriend. When we met, we immediately got on the subject of, of course, music and our music preferences. We talked about not only hip hop, but soul/r&b, which is my favorite. I was impressed that he knew all of my favorite artists and I think he was impressed that I was so into and passionate about the same music as he was. It took me awhile to really come around, but eventually I did. Hate to admit it, but you can find love at the “club”.

3. My third favorite Solution moment doesn’t have a name. It’s just those random nights dancing and vibing to good ass music with your favorite people. That’s what it’s all about, right?

DJ Dozen’s (yes, that’s him rocking the Thugnificent look for Halloween) Top 3 Solution Moments:
1. The first annual Solution J Dilla tribute at Milk: I hit up the party with Dealz, Mike Lee, and Gully Gabby; it was my first time seeing midwest music embraced in CO. At the ripe age of 18, I stepped out to see what this good music was all about. I still remember sittin wit Dealz and every so often yelling “Dilla Made This Too?!?” It was def a good experience.

3. Solution moments come in a blur for some of us who attend on a regular basis, not at all because they are the same, it’s more like having extra fun. Like I go out normally but the atmosphere aint like this; in the club jammin all night, with ya hands in the air, not worrying about any problems. Of course there’s drinks too, but just an overall good feeling vibe going through everybody in the building.

All the best in hip hop, R&B and lots more,
every Friday night at The Black Box.
Party photos by IG: @Armando_Geneyro.
Food by The Jerk Truck.
No cover until 10pm / Only $5 after.
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9pm / 21+ / 314 E 13th Ave.